Title: Beef Snack Wholesaling: A Spicy Proposition

Author Name: Tommy Stabosz (aka Toxic Tommy)

 Article Summary:

 Interested in becoming a beef jerky wholesaler? Here’s what you need to know before signing on with a beef jerky distributor.

Article Content: 

Beef jerky. It’s not just for hunters and fishermen anymore. Today, it’s devoured by slender runway models and burly wrestlers alike. The market is chock full of jerky manufactures looking to gain shelf space in supermarkets, “big box” retailers, and convenience stores. But not all beef jerky companies are created equal. When determining which one with whom to partner, keep these questions in mind:

Does the beef jerky maker offer a variety of options to help you differentiate?

As a wholesaler, you’ll want to make sure you have a bevy of beef jerky varieties to tempt retailers and consumers. Though you may be able to win some taste buds over with just one type of jerky, it’s best to have a number of salty snack options and a not so common brand name that can already be found on any street corner. And it is not just flavor that you will want to consider; also look for some variety based upon meat thickness, tenderness, and overall dryness or moistness may be just as important based upon your market or potential customers.

Does the beef jerky maker offer any complimentary products that round off their offering?

Don’t forget about the beef smokie stick. These 12” Slim Jim (copy righted) style sausage style sticks come in a variety of flavors and sizes. They can be sold prepackaged or loose in an opened “help yourself” container. Look for quality (sticks should have some snap when you eat them and not be rubbery) and flavor variety here as well. Sticks are a smaller per unit purchase for your customer and tend to out sell jerky 2 to 1.

Will you receive any special consideration as a beef jerky wholesaler?

There’s no reason to work with a business that doesn’t treat you well; you’ll want to ask about volume discounts, suggested retail pricing, available brochures, credit terms, and agent percentages on special large volume direct deals. Look for a manufacturer that focuses on making quality jerky products and not just marketing them. Consider working through a distribution house or manufacturers rep. (someone who really knows and is tied to the manufacturer closely). Finding a good quality product with good service is the key to success. If you get a bad feeling or a cold shoulder, there are plenty of jerky manufacturers out there. But beware of working directly with the manufacturer who claim to “do it all” as more often than not you will be disappointed on quality or delivery somewhere down the road. You are a “small fry” in his pond and more often than not will not get his mindshare when you need him most.

How will the beef jerky be ordered, shipped and stored?

Will you need to have a large space available to inventory your beef jerky products? Or will your beef jerky partner agree to ship the product directly to any retailers you sign on? Can you order the beef jerky using a “just in time” (JIT) method of delivery, or will you be required to estimate how much you’ll need, thereby storing considerable quantities yourself? What about minimum order quantities? These are crucial items to know, especially if you plan to work out of an apartment or small home.

 Are there other beef jerky wholesalers in your area?

 It’s tough to sell a “unique” product if you’re not the only one in your community enticing retailers to stock your merchandise. Make sure any beef jerky manufacturer with whom you work agrees to give you a specific sales territory to maximize your growth and earnings potential. Most work off yearly understandings of continued growth in a metropolitan area, once you have established yourself as a serious business. While they should be able to tell you that a region is open, don’t expect anyone to hand you the county, city or state of your choosing without a business plan, some related experience, or solid purchasing history.

 How much creativity will you have to market your beef jerky products?

 As an entrepreneur, you’ll most likely have some innovative ways you want to market any jerky you sell. Therefore, it’s critical that the partner you choose give you the freedom to sell using your “gut”; if you’re limited in the ways you can bring your product to potential snackers, you may have trouble making money. At the same time, why reinvent the wheel? Ask your distributor on ideas that work best in the areas and or markets that you plan to serve. For instance, setting up a bar route and convenient store route versus doing trade shows…

 How long has the beef jerky maker been in business?

 Though it’s not necessary that your beef jerky manufacturer has been around for generations, it’s not a bad thing if the company has been around long enough to have a solid, positive reputation. Don’t forget about shelf life and product warrantee either. Ask for references from other customers or contact the corporation’s local Better Business Bureau to ensure that you’re working with a class act.

 Have you tried the beef jerky products you are considering selling?

Finally, it’s imperative that you try the product before ever considering becoming a wholesaler. After all, if you aren’t blown away by the taste, texture, and eating satisfaction of the beef jerky, chances are it’ll be a tough sell. Believing in the products that you sell is more than half the battle. If you can not say that this is some of the best beef jerky/beef smokie stick that you have tasted, how will be able to sell to your customers and keep their business?

By being prudent, you can have an amazing experience and make a decent living as a beef jerky wholesaler.